Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that affects the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing important hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is possible that you have adrenal insufficiency. Don’t ignore these warning signs – seek medical attention if you think you may be suffering from this condition.
What Is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition that occurs when adrenal glands are not producing sufficient hormone cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for regulating many important body processes. Cortisol helps in removing fat, protein, and sugar from the body. This is also the hormone that regulates blood pressure as well as affects your immune system function.
There is an adrenal gland in the abdomen. These have a position below the kidneys. They work with the hypothalamus and pituitaries in the brain.
Types of Adrenal Insufficiency
There are three types of adrenal insufficiency: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
1. Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary adrenal insufficiency also called Addison’s disease, is caused by damage to the adrenal glands. It is often called acute adrenal insufficiency. This can be due to an autoimmune disorder, infection, or cancer.
2. Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough ACTH. Secondary adrenal insufficiencies can occur more often than Addison disease. This is due to a small lump in your brain that forms on your pituitary gland. Adrenocorticotropic produces ACTH, which is an ACT inhibitor.
This chemical signals that adrenals produce cortisol when needed. If the adrenal gland does not respond to this warning, the body may begin shrinking.
3. Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency
Tertiary adrenal insufficiency is caused by damage to the hypothalamus, which prevents it from releasing CRH.
All three types of adrenal insufficiency share some common symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. However, each type can also cause unique symptoms.
For example, Addison’s disease often causes darkening of the skin, while secondary adrenal insufficiency can cause anxiety and depression.
What Causes Adrenal Insufficiency?
The most common causes of adrenal insufficiency are autoimmune diseases and certain medications. This is possible in cases where you take some steroids long-term because of some medical issues. In particular, people who have asthma are prone to .
Other causes of adrenal insufficiency include:
- Injury to the pituitary gland
- Radiation therapy to the brain or spinal cord
- Infections, such as meningitis or tuberculosis
How Is Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosed?
Adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed through the following:
1. A Medical History And Physical Examination
Your doctor will ask for your medical history and conduct a physical examination. This will give them an adequate foundation to begin their diagnoses.
2. Blood Tests
Your doctor will also likely order some blood tests to measure your cortisol levels. Among the tests used to determine adrenal insufficiency is blood tests. This tests the ACTH hormone levels in your blood.
The adrenal gland produces this hormone in response to the pituitary’s release of ACTH. If the adrenal gland is not responding adequately, it may be a sign of adrenal insufficiency.
3. Urine Tests
Urine tests can also be used to measure cortisol levels in your body. This test measures the breakdown products of cortisol in your urine.
If you have adrenal insufficiency, your body will not be able to properly break down cortisol. As a result, there will be an increased level of breakdown products in your urine.
4. Imaging Studies
Imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, may also be ordered to look for pituitary gland tumors or other abnormalities in the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.
What Are The 10 Symptoms Of Adrenal Insufficiency?
The most common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is essential for many bodily functions, including the regulation of the body’s stress response. When levels of cortisol are low, the body’s stress response is less effective, and fatigue can result.
Fatigue associated with adrenal insufficiency can be severe and can significantly interfere with everyday activities. In some cases, it can even be debilitating.
2. Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common symptom of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease. Cortisol is responsible for regulating metabolism, and without enough of it, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for energy.
This can lead to a significant loss of weight, even in people who are eating a normal diet.
3. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is a common symptom of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Cortisol helps to regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, and the body’s response to stress, while aldosterone helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
Without these hormones, the body is unable to function properly. Low blood pressure is caused by a decrease in the amount of circulating blood in the body. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and even shock.
4. Darkening Of The Skin
One of the most common symptoms of Addison’s disease is the darkening of the skin. This darkening can occur anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the face, hands, and feet. The skin may also appear thin and fragile.
The darkening of the skin is caused by a build-up of melanin, a pigment that provides color to the skin. In people with Addison’s disease, melanin is produced in excess, resulting in darker skin. While darkening of the skin is a common symptom of Addison’s disease, it is important to note that it can also be caused by other conditions.
5. Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s stress response. When these glands are not functioning properly, the body is unable to properly respond to stress, leading to anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression associated with adrenal insufficiency can be severe and can significantly interfere with everyday activities. In some cases, they can even be debilitating.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease. Cortisol is essential for many bodily functions, including metabolism and the regulation of the body’s response to stress.
Without enough cortisol, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Other symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are:
7. Abdominal pain
8. Craving for salt
9. Fainting
10. Diarrhea
Final Thoughts
While the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be severe, they are also treatable. If you think you may have adrenal insufficiency, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. With proper treatment, people with adrenal insufficiency can lead normal, healthy lives.